Alvin Spencer Parker, Sr.

Alvin Spencer Parker, Sr. “Buddy”, 71, husband of the late Lillie Merritt Parker, crossed the channel peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at his daughters’ home in Cheriton, VA.

A retired commercial waterman, Buddy was the son of the late William Spencer Parker, Sr. “Digger” and the late Virginia Brady Parker “Skip”. He was born in Nassawadox, VA, and raised in Oyster, VA. He started working on the water with his father from the time he was able to walk. He surely had saltwater running through his veins. He worked on clam boats for many years, a tugboat for a few years and even tried his hand at a land job at Bayshore Concrete, but that only lasted about a week. He said that was the worst week of his life, working on land just wasn’t for him. From there, he returned to his first love, the seaside. He especially enjoyed staying at his Watch House with many family and friends throughout the years. He and all the other seaside watermen could be found at the Oyster dock every Sunday morning for what they called “Sunday Service” which consisted of drinking a cold one and catching up on the latest gossip. The seaside is where he could be found working until his sea legs finally gave out.

He is survived by his children, Alvin Spencer Parker, Jr. “Bud” and his wife, Shelby, of Townsend, VA, Angela Merritt Rosa and her husband, Niva, of Cheriton, Derek Abraham and his girlfriend, Lisa, of Cape Charles, VA, and Kristopher Abraham of Capeville, VA; two brothers, Wayne Parker “Slick” and his wife, Pat, of Smyrna, DE, and Douglas Parker “Dougie” and his wife, Maxine, of Eastville, VA; seven grandchildren, Spencer Parker, Brandon Parker, Jackson Parker, Hunter Elliott, Alyssia McNamara Abraham, Scott Parker, and Heatherlea Elliott, whom he affectionately called Punkin; mother-in-law, Doris Merritt; three brothers-in law, Elton Merritt “Bullett”, Timmy Merritt and his wife, Karen, and Chris Merritt and his wife, Lisa; two sisters-in-law, Mary Landon and Teresa Wayman and her husband, Bart; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and a special friend, Uncle Pete who would call him every week. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sons, Harry Parker “Curly” and Geoffrey Abraham; two brothers, William Spencer Parker, Jr. and Randall Lee Parker; a sister, Catherine Darlene Parker; an uncle, Johnny Brady; and a nephew, Ronnie Brady.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Riverside Home Health nurses and Hospice for their wonderful care of Buddy during his illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 10, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Lower Northampton Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Conrow officiating. Interment will follow in Cape Charles Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Eastern Shore Watermen's Association, 4219 School Road, Chicoteague, VA 23336.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements made by Wilkins-Doughty Funeral Home in Cape Charles, Virginia.